A cricket match had to be abandoned after an Almondbury Wesleyans player allegedly attacked an opposition spectator.

An eyewitness told the Examiner that bowler Chris Sykes, who was fielding near the boundary, got into a verbal dispute with the Denby Dale member which resulted in an alleged attack.

Given the circumstances Almondbury had little option but to abandon the Total Indoor Cricket Solutions T20 Shield match at Denby Dale’s ground at Wakefield Road on Tuesday night and forfeit the fixture.

Norman Clee

Drakes Cricket League general secretary Norman Clee said: “I am awaiting an official umpire’s report. However, I do know that Almondbury Wesleyans have conceded the match.

“The player concerned, (Mr Sykes), won’t be selected for the Wesleyan’s Conference match against Denby Dale on Saturday.”

The Examiner understands that disciplinary measures may be taken against Mr Sykes once the umpire’s report has been filed.

A cricket insider said: “I am sure there will be actions taken against him although there must have been some kind of provocation.

“The disciplinary people will look into what has happened and see what sanctions should be taken.

“It was quite a severe incident. It’s not the kind of thing we have come across for quite some time.”

Wesleyans bowler Chris Sykes, pictured right

In a statement Almondbury Wesleyan Cricket Club said: “Almondbury Wesleyan Cricket Club can confirm that they were involved in an incident during a 20/20 cricket match between Denby Dale Cricket Club and Almondbury Wesleyan CC earlier this week at Denby Dale’s cricket ground.

“During the second half of the match an incident took place involving a Denby Dale member and supporter, and a Wes cricket player who was fielding close to the boundary edge.

“The incident was serious enough to cause the umpires to stop the game and take the cricketers from the field of play.

“A few minutes later, and after consulting with the captains, the umpires decided to abandon the game.

“Both Almondbury Wesleyan Cricket Club and the Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League have launched their own separate investigations into the incident which we expect will be completed shortly.

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“We are awaiting sight of the umpires’ report as part of completing our full understanding of what happened and why. It would be wrong to pre-judge or speculate on the outcome of that investigation until it has been completed.

“By coincidence The Wes and Denby Dale CC are scheduled to play each other in a routine DHCL Conference League fixture at the Wesleyans Ground in Kaye Lane Almondbury, this coming Saturday, July 9.

“Both clubs, who have healthy and friendly relations going back over many years, have agreed to ensure that this important fixture takes place in a normal atmosphere and is enjoyed by everyone involved.”

Wesleyans cricket manager Mark Binns told the Examiner that West Yorkshire Police were “not involved to my knowledge” and added: “This is a sporting matter.”

Richard Hobson, chairman of Denby Dale Cricket Club, who was at the match, said he was "busy doing other things" at the time of the incident and didn't witness it.

He said it was "unfortunate" that some junior players had witnessed it. He added the club was doing its best to ensure this Saturday's match was played in "as good and as friendly a spirit as we can."